Club Membership near Greystones

delboykelly

As title suggests I'm looking for full membership near the Greystones area. I've been eyeing up the options and I'm thinking either;
Greystones
Druids Heath
Bray
Delgany

I'm looking to try and get involved in some team competitions within the club. I'm looking for good practice facilities and a decent course. My budget is about the €1500 mark.
The closest to me is Druids Heath so I was thinking there but I'm just not sure. My Handicap is currently 17 but I'm playing decent stuff(to about 12) and should be down to 12/13 next summer.
I have my own opinions on all the courses I mentioned above but I just want to hear what ye all think.

John Divney

Personally I love Druids Heath, some hate it, but it's a course that changes every few holes, all holes are there own arena, unlike the tighter parkland where holes are on top of each other. Then again I always play well there, I've heard complaints it's too difficult but I don't see how it is.

The bunkers are poor though, and you'd have to ask what it's like getting out of a member.

d2ww

delboykelly, I'm fairly sure a similar question has come up before, have you done any searches?
fwiw, DH is definitely the best course, but there's no club to speak of(open to correction on this).
Of the others, they are all a bit of a curate's egg. Of the others, Glen o' Downs would be my call and use the greystones driving range for practice.

golfwallah

Have played Greystones, Druids Heath and Glen of the Downs (but not Delgany or Bray).

Of the 3 I've played, I thought Greystones was the best - had a great day there with Stevieob and other boards lads in August. See link for pics: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057013058&page=5.

Can't tell you anything about comparative membership prices.

delboykelly

Thanks for input so far lads. I was reading another tread from another boards golfer looking for membership recently near Greystones. Seems that the recurring comment is to try get somewhere close to home. I've played all the courses around and they are all pretty decent. Druids Heath Is only 2 mins drive from my door, and a challenging course. It doesn't bother me that others have slated it in the past. I was never a mad fan of Delgany when ever I played it, but I do think it's a quality course. Greystones is class and Bray is decent. Anyway looks like I might go with Druids Heath.

bobwilliams

have played all the courses lots of times,know members in all clubs.
My tuppunce........
Best course in terms of variety of holes,toughness etc, Druids heath
Friendliest members....imo Bray by a long shot
Best condition all year round....Greystones by a bit,has a few finicky holes but lovely place.

If I were you and was considering this as along term move I would pick Greystones without doubt.
If you're young and don't mind the hills Bray would be an option,great place to meet new friends.
The other clubs you mentioned like GOTD just don't compare imo,it's a dull course and not too keen on some members up there and Delgany imo is too hilly.

delboykelly

Thanks Bob. I'm Talking all the comments on board. I'm 32 and thinking long term alrite. It's between Greystones and Druids Heath at the min. Veering towards Druids right now. I'll go visit both in the new year and see which I like best.

bobwilliams

delboykelly wrote: »

Thanks Bob. I'm Talking all the comments on board. I'm 32 and thinking long term alrite. It's between Greystones and Druids Heath at the min. Veering towards Druids right now. I'll go visit both in the new year and see which I like best.

I'm a member of druids but there really is no club per say if that's what you'r e into,

TrapperChamonix

delboykelly wrote: »

Thanks Bob. I'm Talking all the comments on board. I'm 32 and thinking long term alrite. It's between Greystones and Druids Heath at the min. Veering towards Druids right now. I'll go visit both in the new year and see which I like best.

If by "thinking long term" you mean permanently. Assuming you have or will have kids and assuming you want them to play in the same club as you, then research what their junior programs are. Also if you are likely to be staying where you currently live then think about the advantage of delboykelly being 2 mins away from his club.

Brodick

Did you think of Dun Laoghaire? Fabulous facilities and the 3 courses are tirelessly maintained. A 6 day membership is in line with your budget.

bobwilliams

Brodick wrote: »

Did you think of Dun Laoghaire? Fabulous facilities and the 3 courses are tirelessly maintained. A 6 day membership is in line with your budget.

i couldn't spend that cash and not be allowed play on Saturday(is it not dearer than €1500?)

J6P

Old conna may be another option. A better course than any previously listed IMO..

bobwilliams

J6P wrote: »

Old conna may be another option. A better course than any previously listed IMO..

Dun Laoghaire and Greystones would be considered a lot better than Old Conna by most including myself.
Defor not the best out of those mentioned

Unglika Norse

I wouldn't like have to play any club with you on their team if you currently have a 17 handicap and are playing to 12.

bobwilliams

Unglika Norse wrote: »

I wouldn't like have to play any club with you on their team if you currently have a 17 handicap and are playing to 12.

he did say he wants to get down by summer,anyway, look at the scores in the paper every week,it's a joke around 45 pts winning comps.
Then we get to the biggies like the presidents/captains and the scores are just ridic,i play off 5 and it really can be soul destroying at times

Glenski

Everyone has made valid points and utimately it is down to personal preference.

I had the same decision to make and the criteria I used was: Course, Location, Social Scene / Friendliness of Members.

As a result I joined Delgany none of the others came close and I have many friends in many of the other courses mentioned.

If you haven't played it then I suggest you do before spending a serious amount of money. I can arrange a complimentary game should you wish.

J6P

bobwilliams wrote: »

Dun Laoghaire and Greystones would be considered a lot better than Old Conna by most including myself.
Defor not the best out of those mentioned

I did add that it was my opinion..

Dun Laoghaire is still a bit raw and will take years for the trees to mature and add a bit of character to the place.

Greystones while a lovely spot is a bit short.

Old Conna has a mix of both character and length to make it a good test for anyone. another plus is the greens are always in great nick.


I'm not a member, just thought i'd post my €0.02

Surfing_Xboxer

As a member in Delgany I am obviously biased - but I think Delgany is great value, great track and never any trouble getting on timesheets

delboykelly

I didn't really consider Dun Laoghaire tbh. Played there twice and did like it but they are looking big money to join!! Something like €16000 entrance fee!! No thanks.... Old Conna is lovely. Not sure of the price but would consider it.

Delgany is def up there alright. Played it a good few times and liked it. But hilly but wouldn't mind that. I thought it was longer, I looked it up today and it said something like 5600 yards,, that's very short!!

Greystones I think Is a class course with great greens and a good mix of holes. Good practice area too.

Bray is nice too, great facilities and clubhouse.

Haven't a clue what to do in the new year. Such a bloody hard decision. I was a 5 day member of glen of the downs about three years ago and I liked it but didn't fall in love with the place. Since then I've just been doing the cheap distance membership thing. Now it's time to join a club and put in some hard graft to get the handicap down and enjoy the club atmosphere.

delboykelly

bobwilliams wrote: »

I'm a member of druids but there really is no club per say if that's what you'r e into,

What you mean by "there really is no club" Bob? Like do they not enter inter club comps and stuff? Is there a club match play comp every year? And monthly medal comp? Stuff like that is why I want to join somewhere. I'm not looking for a clubhouse to sink pints with the lads in the evenings or anything, not my scene. I just want to play more competition stuff and get better at the game.

bobwilliams

delboykelly wrote: »

What you mean by "there really is no club" Bob? Like do they not enter inter club comps and stuff? Is there a club match play comp every year? And monthly medal comp? Stuff like that is why I want to join somewhere. I'm not looking for a clubhouse to sink pints with the lads in the evenings or anything, not my scene. I just want to play more competition stuff and get better at the game.

Sorry I should have explained,yes we have teams for inter club comps etc but we have a young membership and most just leg it after golf,if ur looking for the whole package this would be something to consider.

delboykelly

bobwilliams wrote: »

Sorry I should have explained,yes we have teams for inter club comps etc but we have a young membership and most just leg it after golf,if ur looking for the whole package this would be something to consider.

Thanks bob. I'd be fairly guilty of shooting away most days straight after golf myself. But I'd stay around if I knew more lads around the club. Def veering towards the Heath now anyway(after a good think about things) I might meet ya for a round some day when I get down to a respectable single figure handicap.

bobwilliams

delboykelly wrote: »

Thanks bob. I'd be fairly guilty of shooting away most days straight after golf myself. But I'd stay around if I knew more lads around the club. Def veering towards the Heath now anyway(after a good think about things) I might meet ya for a round some day when I get down to a respectable single figure handicap.

No probs,Tbh I play with anyone regardless of hcp so let me know in the new year if u fancy a game

Brewster

delboykelly wrote: »

I didn't really consider Dun Laoghaire tbh. Played there twice and did like it but they are looking big money to join!! Something like €16000 entrance fee!! No thanks.... Old Conna is lovely. Not sure of the price but would consider it.

Delgany is def up there alright. Played it a good few times and liked it. But hilly but wouldn't mind that. I thought it was longer, I looked it up today and it said something like 5600 yards,, that's very short!!

Greystones I think Is a class course with great greens and a good mix of holes. Good practice area too.

Bray is nice too, great facilities and clubhouse.

Haven't a clue what to do in the new year. Such a bloody hard decision. I was a 5 day member of glen of the downs about three years ago and I liked it but didn't fall in love with the place. Since then I've just been doing the cheap distance membership thing. Now it's time to join a club and put in some hard graft to get the handicap down and enjoy the club atmosphere.

Effectively no joining fee in DL since March 2012.... You just pay a higher annual sub than somebody who pays joining fee...

Corkey123

DelBoyKelly,

Let me know if you need a game around Bray GC and I will organise something.

Cheers
Martin

Brodick

delboykelly wrote: »

I didn't really consider Dun Laoghaire tbh. Played there twice and did like it but they are looking big money to join!! Something like €16000 entrance fee!! No thanks.... Old Conna is lovely. Not sure of the price but would consider it.

Delgany is def up there alright. Played it a good few times and liked it. But hilly but wouldn't mind that. I thought it was longer, I looked it up today and it said something like 5600 yards,, that's very short!!

Greystones I think Is a class course with great greens and a good mix of holes. Good practice area too.

Bray is nice too, great facilities and clubhouse.

Haven't a clue what to do in the new year. Such a bloody hard decision. I was a 5 day member of glen of the downs about three years ago and I liked it but didn't fall in love with the place. Since then I've just been doing the cheap distance membership thing. Now it's time to join a club and put in some hard graft to get the handicap down and enjoy the club atmosphere.

There isn't an entry fee at Dun Laoghaire any more. It's worth looking at it again.

Imhof Tank

I know all these well. Socially Greystones would be the clear winner - getting a bit crowded with new members I hear though and difficult to get the popular weekend tee times.

Delgany would have to be the weakest in terms of the course.

Just out of curiosity - did you consider Charlesland at all?

Dayor Knight

Charlesland is worth a look. Amazed it hasn't been mentioned already (unless I've missed it) given that it's actually in Greystones. I'm not a member - play opens there occasionally. A friendly club, no snobbery, equal rights for gents and ladies as far as I known, and imo a pleasant course to play - not too tough but challenging in parts. No hello money at the moment as far as I know (Check their web site).

bobwilliams

Dayor Knight wrote: »

Charlesland is worth a look. Amazed it hasn't been mentioned already (unless I've missed it) given that it's actually in Greystones. I'm not a member - play opens there occasionally. A friendly club, no snobbery, equal rights for gents and ladies as far as I known, and imo a pleasant course to play - not too tough but challenging in parts. No hello money at the moment as far as I know (Check their web site).

it's all about opinions I suppose but the thoughts of playing Charlesland all the time would not interest me at all.
Think it's bland with a couple of silly holes,namely the sharp dog with the dyke,the index 1 with the spupid slopey fairway,a par 5 that is never a par 5 on the back 9.

delboykelly

bobwilliams wrote: »

it's all about opinions I suppose but the thoughts of playing Charlesland all the time would not interest me at all.
Think it's bland with a couple of silly holes,namely the sharp dog with the dyke,the index 1 with the spupid slopey fairway,a par 5 that is never a par 5 on the back 9.

I agree with Bob on all of the above. I never considered Charlesland because I've played it plenty of times and IMO it's just a field... I would prefer a more challenging course. I didn't know Dun Laoghaire had no entrance fee. Druids Heath is still #1 at the moment anyway.

Seve OB

OP as a greystones member since i was 12 (25 years), my advice and opinion would mean nothing having said that, I actually really like Druids Heath… only played it the once in crap god awful weather and really enjoyed it. i have heard a lot of people say they aren't fans though.

anyway, let me know if you fancy a game in the stones in the new year and i'll get you out… might help you decide… as far as i know the jointing fee has been dropped now. sub is 1,700 per year which includes GUI, insurance and 150 bar credit

d2ww

stevieob wrote: »

OP as a greystones member since i was 12 (25 years), my advice and opinion would mean nothing having said that, I actually really like Druids Heath… only played it the once in crap god awful weather and really enjoyed it. i have heard a lot of people say they aren't fans though.

anyway, let me know if you fancy a game in the stones in the new year and i'll get you out… might help you decide… as far as i know the jointing fee has been dropped now. sub is 1,700 per year which includes GUI, insurance and 150 bar credit

Stevieob, do you know if there are any five day memberships available?
Thanks.

Seve OB

d2ww wrote: »

Stevieob, do you know if there are any five memberships available?
Thanks.

not sure to be honest
ring them up and ask,

Kevinmarkham

stevieob wrote: »

not sure to be honest
ring them up and ask,

Like Steviob, I'm a member at Greystones (playing there since I was 6)... unlike Stevieob, I'm no fan of Druid's Heath.

I'd be very surprised if the 5-day membership is no longer offered. As for most clubs in the country, Greystones is keen to attract new members. Our website doesn't give any details on this, so call Ross Robertson, 287 4136.

FixdePitchmark

I've played both and both are very different - but Greystones is more of a golf club - The Heath is a resort.

Even Lads in the Heath here have said that.

A New earth

delboykelly wrote: »

I agree with Bob on all of the above. I never considered Charlesland because I've played it plenty of times and IMO it's just a field... I would prefer a more challenging course. I didn't know Dun Laoghaire had no entrance fee. Druids Heath is still #1 at the moment anyway.

There is still officially an entrance fee (€16k) but everyone who joined recently has opted to pay an extra €500 a year instead. That being said c. €2,800 a year is high even though it includes the €500 bar/restaurant/social events charge. Facilities are good including 27 holes, 13 bay driving range, 4 hole pitching area, large green for chipping/putting, other practice green with 2 bunkers, 2 putting greens, bowling green, gym, 2 snooker tables, and lots of clubs at night: bridge, solo/darts, painting, book club, choir etc

Seve OB

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Greystones is more of a golf club - The Heath is a resort.

Even Lads in the Heath here have said that.

yea that is a pretty good synopsis and a large reason why i will not leave despite living miles away nowadays, i would never join a resort, much rather a good club, and greystones has lots of opportunity for playing inter club team competitions

BenEadir

Brewster wrote: »

Effectively no joining fee in DL since March 2012.... You just pay a higher annual sub than somebody who pays joining fee...

What's the annual sub in lieu of a joining fee?

Ben

Brewster

€2275 plus €500 bar credit...

BenEadir

Brewster wrote: »

€2275 plus €500 bar credit...

Thanks Brewster,

I think that's a little outside the OP's €1,500 a year budget though!

Ben

BenEadir

delboykelly wrote: »

As title suggests I'm looking for full membership near the Greystones area. I've been eyeing up the options and I'm thinking either;
Greystones
Druids Heath
Bray
Delgany

So, DelBoyKelly, did you join anywhere? Did you consider anywhere else e.g. Stackstown?

I personally like the look of Old Conna but can't see what the 2014 7 day membership rate is on their website and whether there's hello money or not. How does it compare to the likes of Delgany, Bray etc?

Ben